How to Support Your Mental Health When Living with Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy means living with more than just seizures—mental and emotional wellness are an important part of the journey. From anxiety and depression to stress because of the unpredictability of when a seizure will happen. With the mental health side of epilepsy often going unspoken. The truth is, your mind needs as much care as your body.
 In this post, we’ll walk through practical ways to support your mental health while living with epilepsy.

Understanding the Connection Between Epilepsy and Mental Health

Epilepsy can impact your mental health in many ways. The uncertainty of seizures, medication side effects, and social stigma can take a toll on your emotional well-being. It’s common for people with epilepsy to experience anxiety, depression, or even PTSD.

Studies have shown that people with epilepsy are more likely to face mental health challenges than the general population. Recognizing these emotional struggles is not a weakness—it’s a sign of self-awareness and strength.

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Create a Mental Health Support Plan

Having a support plan in place gives you a sense of control. Your plan might include:

• Regular check-ins with a mental health professional (I do therapy twice a month to help me deal with the stress of having epilepsy)
  
  
• A daily routine that prioritizes rest and relaxation (This fits for reading novels, writing, watching Netflix or YouTube, and Video Gaming sometimes for my daily routines)
  
  
• Strategies for managing stress, such as breathing exercises or grounding techniques (exercises I do to manage my stress are deep breathing, listening to music, and going for walks, along with sometimes going ot the gym and lifting weights.)
  
  

Talk to your neurologist or primary care doctor about your mental health. If you’re experiencing mood changes, insomnia, or anxiety, bring it up during appointments—it’s an important  part of your overall care.

Build a Strong Support Network

You don’t have to go through this alone.

Whether it’s friends, family, a therapist, or support groups, having people who understand what you’re facing can make a huge difference. Join local epilepsy groups or online communities where you can share your experiences and learn from others.

Being surrounded by empathy and encouragement helps reduce feelings of isolation and fear—and gives you a safe place to speak openly.

I have found that in-person support groups for epilepsy are rare in rural communities, but I have found Facebook groups with great discussions on living with epilepsy.

Along with great videos of living with epilepsy on TikTok and some channels on YouTube.

@thevoiceforepilepsy9480

@CUREepilepsy

@KaraandNate have a great video about epilepsy and are great examples of having a life still enough though be diagnosed with epilepsy

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Incorporate Self-Care into Your Daily Life

Self-care isn’t just spa days and bubble baths. For people with epilepsy, it’s about creating stability and reducing stress. Here are a few self-care strategies to try:

• Mindfulness and meditation – Calm your mind and improve focus
  
  
• Journaling – Track your emotions, triggers, and victories: Epilepsy Journal https://amzn.to/4lXMxai – Seizure tracker log book https://amzn.to/4lKiT8i – My Epilepsy Journal – https://amzn.to/4cKsmbn
  
  
• Creative outlets – Art, music, and hobbies can provide relief and joy:
  
  
• Physical activity – Even light exercise, like walking or stretching, boosts mood:
  
  

And don’t forget the basics: hydrate, eat well, and get enough rest. Your brain and body are on the same team. Good Sleep is a must. Lack of sleep or bad sleep are the leading triggers to seizures.

Manage Triggers and Track Your Mental State

Just like seizure triggers, emotional triggers can build up over time. Pay attention to what affects your mood—whether it’s stress, lack of sleep, overstimulation, or social pressure.

Consider using a mood tracker app or keeping a journal to connect the dots between your seizures and mental health patterns. This can help you feel more in control and provide helpful insights to your care team.

Advocate for Yourself in Medical Settings

You deserve to feel heard and supported.

If your doctor doesn’t ask about your mental health, bring it up yourself. You have every right to talk about the emotional side of epilepsy. Consider these questions during your appointments:

• Can you refer me to a mental health specialist?
  
  
• Are there any medications that may affect my mood?
  
  
• What resources are available for emotional support?
  
  

Finding a therapist who understands chronic illness—or better yet, epilepsy—can be a game-changer.

Conclusion: You’re Not Alone in This

Supporting your mental health while living with epilepsy is a daily practice—but it’s one that pays off. You’re not weak for struggling; you’re strong for continuing to care for yourself with the challenges you face because of epilepsy.

Take things one step at a time. Seek help when you need it. And most importantly, know that you are not alone

💬 What’s Your Experience?

Have you found strategies that help your mental health while living with epilepsy? Share your story in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.

If you found this helpful, consider subscribing to the blog or downloading our free Mental Health & Epilepsy Self-help book  (coming soon!).

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